Carmel steps into the light by seeking residents' input into hiring new city attorney.

With Carmel City Attorney Glen Mozingo on his way out within the next few months,  the city is getting ready to launch a search for a new attorney, exactly two years after it went through the process to replace former city attorney Don Freeman.

As Freeman stepped down, it seemed apparent to some that Mozingo—a supporter of former mayor Steve Dallas in the 2016 election who worked mainly in estate law—was a cinch for the position. It left many residents feeling left out of the process, who spoke out at the time asking for more transparency.

Within a few months the council announced it was hiring Mozingo, despite receiving resumes from attorneys with more experience, and curious claims on his resume that led to intense scrutiny through 2018, followed by his resignation on Jan. 7.

New Mayor Dave Potter promised to do things differently this time, telling the Weekly, “This will not be done in the dark.”

So to shine some light on the subject, the city is conducting a public workshop at 4pm, Thursday, Jan. 24, inside Carmel City Hall.

One of the residents who questioned the process to hire Mozingo in 2017, Jeff Baron, is now a member of council, having won a seat in November over former councilmember Carolyn Hardy. She chaired the committee that recommended Mozingo and remained loyal to the attorney through the scrutiny. 

Baron sent an email Jan. 15 to residents on his email list asking for their input at the workshop. In particular he said he wants to know whether the city should have a full-time or part-time attorney who is either a contractor or an employee; what skills are needed; and ideas on how the hiring process should be conducted.

He’s also holding office hours from 3:30 to 5pm on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at City Hall, to hear what residents think about the process, as well as other city issues.